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Cycling Academies – Bringing Communities Together!
About Transport Month and Non-Motorised Transport (NMT)
October was declared Transport Month in 2005 during the Transport Lekgotla. It is used to raise awareness on the important role of transport in the economy and to encourage participation from civil society and business, including the provision of a safe and more affordable, accessible and reliable transport system in the country.
NMT plays a significant role in the provision of affordable, sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation systems globally. The opportunity for cycling to form a significant component of a much improved, integrated and sustainable transport system, should be explored by cities in the pursuit of more sustainable alternatives in reducing/avoiding transport related emissions.
NMT Programme is a legacy project of the 2010 FIFA ® World Cup, which is financed under the Framework of the South African – German Financial Cooperation through the KfW Development Bank on behalf of BMZ; in partnership with the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and in collaboration with the Department of Transport.
Celebration of NMT 2020
In celebration of National Transport Month, a NMT workshop is set to be hosted on 13th and 14th October 2020, in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality. The municipality will also use this platform to showcase the training academies whilst demonstrating social integration.
Why eThekwini Municipality
Within the eThekwini Municipality, approximately 26% of all trips are made by foot. If cycling were an available mode of choice, then an area fifteen times greater could be reached within the equivalent time by cycling when compared to walking. This would increase access to opportunities exponentially and provide an independent transport option to many urban and rural citizens who may not have any alternatives available.
In addressing the everyday challenges of access to equipment, the ability to ride, the need for appropriate Infrastructure and facilities, ensuring the safety and security of communities, and access to adequate finances; training academies can be a game changer for previously disadvantaged communities. As such, the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA), through the GO!Durban Programme, is strongly promoting the development and uptake of active mobility. Commencing in 2016, the GO!Durban Cycle Academy was launched as a social upliftment intervention programme that, in parallel, addresses the fundamental precursors to building a cycling culture in communities, inclusive of learning the basic skills of riding a bicycle, providing access to bikes within a safe, secure and supportive environment, helping kids and adults to learn and experience how cycling is a fun, appealing, cool and effective mode of travel. The GO!Durban Cycle Academy is currently active in four communities within Inanda, KwaDabeka, KwaMashu and Chesterville
Theme
The 2020 theme for Transport month is: “Together shaping the future of transport." The aim is to raise awareness of the important role of transport in the economy, and to invite participation from civic society and businesses alike, in providing a safer, more affordable, accessible and reliable transport.
Cyclists enjoying the pump tracks at KwaDabeka and KwaMashu